There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table for a big family dinner, isn’t there? I just love the laughter, the stories, and, of course, the delicious food that brings everyone together. This recipe for baked chicken thighs with mixed vegetables is just perfect for those cozy nights when you want to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s one of my go-to big family dinner recipes that everyone raves about! With hearty flavors and simple steps, you’ll be able to whip this up and enjoy the time with your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Big Family Dinner Recipes
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Gather these ingredients and let’s get cooking:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing and richness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 onion, chopped (adds a wonderful sweetness)
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (I love using carrots, peas, and corn, but feel free to mix it up!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (for depth of flavor and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (a lovely herb that complements the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
How to Prepare Big Family Dinner Recipes
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this delicious meal! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for your big family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want those chicken thighs to roast beautifully!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté, but not so hot that it smokes—just a gentle sizzle will do!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Oh, the smell of garlic cooking is simply heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to season those chicken thighs! Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Don’t be shy—seasoning is key to bringing out all that delicious flavor!
- Carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet, browning them on both sides for about 5 minutes each. You want them to get that lovely golden color, which adds depth to the dish.
- Once the chicken is browned, add your mixed vegetables and pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined. This broth will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Now, here’s where the magic happens—transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- After 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain all those juicy flavors.
- Serve hot with a side of rice or bread to soak up that delicious broth. You’re going to love how everything comes together!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dig into this delicious meal! The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I strive to give you the most accurate details, it’s important to remember that variations in ingredients can lead to different nutritional outcomes. Always feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences! Enjoy your meal without any worries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for filling up hungry bellies after a long day.
- Simple to make with straightforward steps—ideal for cooks of all skill levels!
- Family-friendly flavors that everyone—from kids to adults—will enjoy.
- Great for leftovers; the flavors only get better the next day!
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- One-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax with your family.
Tips for Success with Big Family Dinner Recipes
Want to make this dish the star of your big family dinner? I’ve got some tips to help you nail it every time! Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference.
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the chicken thighs well. This step adds so much flavor and color to the dish, so let them get that golden crust before adding the vegetables.
- Use fresh vegetables: If you can, opt for fresh veggies instead of frozen. They’ll have a better texture and flavor when baked. But if you’re short on time, frozen mixed veggies work just fine too!
- Adjust the broth: If you like a saucier dish, feel free to add a bit more chicken broth. It’s all about what you enjoy—some people love a lot of sauce for soaking up with bread!
- Let it rest: After taking the skillet out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
- Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to mix up the seasonings! Adding a pinch of paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper can give this dish a fun kick if your family enjoys a little heat.
- Make it a meal: Pair this dish with a simple salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s always nice to have a couple of sides to offer variety.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own! So, don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe and make it suit your family’s taste. Happy cooking!
Variations on Big Family Dinner Recipes
If you’re in the mood to shake things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this baked chicken thighs recipe! Personalizing it is a great way to keep your big family dinners exciting and fresh. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Vegetable Medley: Swap out the mixed vegetables for seasonal favorites! Think bell peppers, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts. Each one will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Instead of thyme, try rosemary or oregano for a different twist. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Spicy Kick: If your family enjoys a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the skillet. It’ll give your dish a delightful kick!
- Creamy Version: For a richer flavor, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. It’ll create a luxurious sauce that everyone will love.
- Sweet and Savory: Toss in some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a hint of sweetness. They roast beautifully and add a lovely contrast to the savory chicken.
- Citrus Zing: A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist. It’s amazing how a little citrus can transform a dish!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a dish that’s perfect for your family’s taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of cooking! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! This dish is perfect for making ahead of time, and storing it properly means you can enjoy it even after the big family dinner is over.
To store your baked chicken thighs and mixed vegetables, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before sealing it up—this helps prevent condensation, which can make everything soggy. You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just portion the leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to label them with the date. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some comfort food again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Now, for reheating, you’ve got a couple of options! If you’re using the microwave, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps it retain moisture), and heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you prefer to reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and veggies in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This method keeps everything nice and juicy!
Whichever method you choose, just make sure the chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first time around!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook a bit faster, so just keep an eye on them in the oven. They’re just as juicy and flavorful, so feel free to use what you have on hand!
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just remember, the broth adds a lot of flavor, so if you go with water, you might want to adjust the seasoning a bit.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re adding denser vegetables like potatoes; they might need a bit longer to become tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, this dish is perfect for those avoiding gluten. It’s a hearty meal everyone can enjoy!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It saves time and makes dinner a breeze!
Big Family Dinner Recipes: 7 Comforting Dishes to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe is perfect for a big family dinner, offering a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add chicken to the skillet, browning on both sides.
- Add mixed vegetables and chicken broth.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
Notes
- Feel free to use leftover vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: big family dinner recipes
